Spain’s Anti-violence Commission has recommended football authorities launch a disciplinary investigation into remarks made by national coach Luis Aragones before last month’s friendly against England.
Aragones caused controversy when he defended himself against accusations of racism following comments he made about France striker Thierry Henry.
“The problem of racism is, in my opinion, a question of conscience and all I can say is that mine is clear,” said Aragones before asking the reporter who had put the question: “Is your conscience clear? I doubt it.
“I know who is racist, I remember what happened in the (British) colonies. Who was it who were like wolves hunting down deer?
“I’m not a racist but you lot will write what you want. I’ve a lot of black friends who have explained to me that the English were after them in the colonies.”
The subsequent friendly against England was overshadowed by racist abuse directed at visiting black players by large sections of the crowd at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.
Aragones earlier landed himself in trouble in October when he was heard telling Spain’s Jose Antonio Reyes that he was better than “that black shit”, referring to the forward’s Arsenal team mate Thierry Henry.
The former Mallorca coach excused himself by apologising for his remarks, saying he had “never intended to offend anyone.”
“I’m sure Thierry knows it was just my way of motivating a player and Reyes has spoken to him to clarify the matter,” he said at the time.
